Discover a treasure trove of enchanting experiences in the Land of Smiles, as we unveil an array of tourist things to do in Thailand. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes that make Thailand a top destination for globetrotters. Begin your journey in the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, where the juxtaposition of modernity and tradition creates a unique atmosphere.
Start your exploration with a visit to the Grand Palace, an architectural masterpiece that echoes the country's rich history. Next on the list of tourist things to do in Thailand is a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River, offering panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as Wat Arun.
For those seeking a beach paradise, the islands of Phuket and Koh Samui beckon with pristine shores and crystal-clear waters. Engage in exhilarating water sports, unwind on sun-kissed beaches, and savor delectable Thai cuisine at beachside restaurants. These islands are essential stops on your list of tourist things to do in Thailand, promising a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Tourist Things to Do in Thailand
Head north to Chiang Mai, a city nestled amidst lush mountains, where ancient temples and vibrant markets await. Explore the historic Wat Phra Singh and participate in the famous Yi Peng Lantern Festival for a mesmerizing cultural experience. Adventure enthusiasts can embark on a trek in the nearby hills, interacting with local hill tribes and marveling at the picturesque landscapes.
No exploration of tourist things to do in Thailand is complete without a visit to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the ancient ruins and temples that transport you back in time, providing a glimpse into Thailand's illustrious past. Engage in a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River to witness the majestic Ayutthaya Historical Park from a different perspective.
For wildlife enthusiasts, a trip to the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai is a must, where you can interact ethically with rescued elephants and contribute to their conservation. This experience stands out among the myriad tourist things to do in Thailand, offering a chance to connect with these gentle giants in a natural environment.
As dusk falls, indulge in the vibrant nightlife of Thailand. Bangkok's Khao San Road is legendary for its lively atmosphere, street food, and eclectic bars. Embrace the energy of this bustling district, marking it as another highlight on your list of tourist things to do in Thailand.
1. Rock Climbing In Railay Beach
Railay Beach is our favorite place in Thailand and not only because of the amazing beaches surrounded by massive limestone cliffs, and turquoise waters, we love it for the climbing! There are hundreds of routes to climb for all levels of climbers. We climbed with both Hot Rocks climbing school and King Climbers and both were fantastic. Check out Best Things to do in Krabi, Thailand
2. Sea Kayak In Krabi
Exploring the karst islands of The Andaman Sea by Sea Kayak is one of the beset things to do in Thailand. Join John Gray Sea Canoe to paddle through caves to enter gorgeous lagoons in the middle of islands surrounded by sea cliffs. Make sure to book overnight on one of the uninhabited islands in the area.
While Sea kayaking is very popular in Krabi going inland to the mangrove forest is also unforgettable. You’ll explore mangrove forests and ancient caves housing hieroglyphics. An experience you’ll never forget.
3. Motorcycle To The Myanmar Border
Take a tour of Northern Thailand on a motorcycle. We loved our safe luxury motorcycle tour with The Smiling Albino. They created a custom tour where we had a thorough riding lesson (with a test included!) before taking an epic tour off the beaten track.
4. Visit The Golden Triangle
Standing on the border of northern Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, (The Golden Triangle) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What was once infamous for the opium trade is now filled with lush tea terraces and temples and hill tribes. For an off-the-beaten-track destination in Thailand, this is it!
5. Muay Thai Kickboxing
Want a great way to whip yourself in shape? Try enrolling in a Muay Thai Kickboxing course. There are schools all over the country and you can sign up for a few short days or stay for months at a time. Kickboxing is an important sport to the Thai People and if you want to immerse in Thai Culture this is a great option. We trained with Rawai Muay Thai in Phuket and found them to be outstanding.
If you are not up for Muay Thai Training, check out a professional Muay Thai Fight. There are matches somewhere every night in Thailand, and it’s a huge part of the country’s tradition.
6. Get Soaked At Songkran Festival
It only happens once a year, but if you find yourself in Thailand when the Songkran festival is going on, you have got to go out and experience it. It’s the world’s largest water fight celebrating the Thai New Year. (Songkran Festival usually takes place at the beginning of April) Songkran Festival celebrates ringing in Thailand’s ancient New Year. Read more: 23 Fun Facts About Thailand – The Land of Smiles
7. Visit An Elephant Sanctuary – Elephant Nature Park
Skip riding elephants and instead visit an elephant sanctuary that gives refuge to former working and logging elephants. Elephants in Thailand have lived hard lives and the sanctuaries that are opening are starting to give them a safe haven to live out the rest of their lives.
8. Tour The Chao Phraya River
Many of the best things do in Thailand are on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Wat Arun stands proud over all temples as you tour Bangkok’s water highway to see its top sights. Many of Bangkok’s major tourist attractions are along the Chao Phraya river.
You can take the water taxi for the low price of 20 baht (less than 1 US dollar ) for the tourist boat or 8 baht for the local boat. Read more: 27 Best Things to do in Bangkok, Thailand – Plus Insider Local Tips
9. Shop At Chang Mai’s Night Market
At night the streets of Chang Mai come alive with rows and rows of vendors. The prices seem to be higher here than anywhere else in Thailand, but once you know what to pay for things, you can get them down to the proper price.
10. Take A Long Tail Boat Island Hopping
Thailand’s beaches are the most beautiful beaches in the world. The most famous being Koh Phi Phi and Railay Beach. Take a longtail boat from island to island. Longtail boats are canopied long hull boats with a long outboard motor. They are one of the most photographed images of southern Thailand. Read More: Beautiful Beaches in Thailand to Spark Your Wanderlust
Koh Phi Phi – Koh Phi Phi was the island we visited in 2000 and it is the most recognizable beach in Thailand. It is due to open back up in 2021, and it is considered one of the most beautiful and famous islands in Thailand.
Koh Phi Phi is that perfect horseshoe beach with incredible karst formation jutting out from the Andaman Sea. Koh Phi Phi was featured in James Bond and the Beach. There’s a reason it is the most famous,
Koh Phangan – Koh Phangan is popular for its Full Moon Party that happens each month at the full moon. Most islands have some sort of full moon party each month, but Koh Phangan is the original and people flock to it for the festivities. People party so much on Koh Phangan, they have even added a half-moon party to the celebration.
11. Watch A Fire Spin Show
When hanging out on the beach of your choice in Southern Thailand, chances are you’ll have the opportunity to watch a fire-spinning show known as Fire Sparkle Poi shows.
Experience the mesmerizing dance of flames in a breathtaking fire spin show. Watch as skilled performers manipulate fire with grace and precision, creating a dazzling display of swirling, twirling patterns. Feel the heat and embrace the enchantment of this captivating performance that combines danger and artistry in a thrilling spectacle of light and motion.
12. Visit The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Thailand. The former Royal Residence, The Grand Palace (Royal Palace) covers an area of 218,400 sq. metres; It is Grand indeed and houses the Emerald Buddha (which is really made out of Jade). Be sure to go into Wat Phra Kaew to see the Emerald Buddha with your own eyes. (no photos allowed) Read more: Ultimate 3 Days in Bangkok – A Local’s guide to The Perfect Bangkok Itinerary
13. Check Out Wat Pho
Wat Pho is home to the Reclining Buddha at 46 metres long and 15 metres high. This golden beauty is Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha it is in the oldest Wat in Bangkok. It is the first thing that most people see and do in Thailand and I can understand why it is magnificent.
14. Catch A Movie At Siam Square
We can’t help it, we love movies and wherever we go, we always go to a movie. In Bangkok, you have designated seating and you must stand before each movie while watching a montage of the King. (we haven’t been since the new King was crowned, but expect it to be the same)
15. Release A Lantern At Yi Peng Festival
Yi Peng is a wonderful time to be in Thailand. It takes place in November alongside the Loi Krathong Festival. Both festivals are lantern festivals. Yi Peng has revelers releasing paper lanterns in the sky and Loi Krathong has worshippers release bamboo and boats in the river. Be sure to only use environmentally friendly lanterns! Read more: Loy Krathong and Yi Peng – A Guide to The Lantern Festivals of Chiang Mai
16. Ride A Tuk Tuk
You gotta ride a tuk tuk at least once while visiting Thailand. They’re loud, polluted and one zany ride, but you haven’t lived until you’ve zipped around the streets of Bangkok in a three-wheeler two-stroke engine zipping machine. Feeling wary about hopping in a tuk tuk for the first time? Book a Bangkok Tuk Tuk Tour here.
17. Get A Thai Massage
Traditional Thai Massages are cheap in Thailand and they are heavenly. We recommend having a Thai massage every couple of days to keep the body limber. You’ll find them anywhere in Thailand. On the beaches, at Khao San Road, in high end hotels and on any street.
18. Take A Cooking Class
We love Thai food and it’s even better when you know how to cook it. Our very first visit to Thailand ignited our senses and we learned about Thai food. I am so glad we took a Thai cooking class so we can recreate our favourite Thai recipes at home like delicious Pad Thai from scratch!
19. Visit The Bridge On The River Kwai
Do you remember the movie The Bridge on the River Kwai? It tells the story of the Death Railway built by British POWs and forced laborers from around South East Asia. The Railway is still in working order today and is a popular tourist attraction.
But it is also a sombre memorial to those who died on this Death Railay. There are many memorials paying tribute to the thousands that died during the war including the Chungkai War Cemetery and the JEATH War Museum.
20. Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
We love riding boats in Thailand and there are many floating markets you can visit near Bangkok. The largest floating market is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Amphawa Floating Market is another less crowded option. Book a tour to Damnoen Saduak. This day tour takes you to both the Damnoen Saduak floating market and the famous Maeklong Railway Market.
21. Take The Slow Boat To Laos
Ride along the Mekong River from Luang Prabang Laos to Chang Rai doing nothing but taking in the scenery. See the mighty Mekong River and meet the local people that live along its shores. Insider Tip: Bring some food and drink and some cards or games to keep you occupied for the trip.
22. Chiang Rai’s Wat Rung
One of Thailand’s newest temples is Wat Rong Khun aka The White Temple. It is also one of Thailand’s most beautiful temple. Restoration began in the late 20th century and it has transformed into pure beauty of white intricate designs and mirrored reflections.
23. Meditation Retreat In Chiang Mai
When you visit Chiang Mai, a popular option is to do a Mediation retreat. We took a multi-day meditation course in Chiang Mai and it was heavenly. We were the only two people in the course and worked on several different types of meditations and tai chi.
As we talked with our instructor, we cooked vegetarian food and really bonded with each other during that time. There are many Meditation courses in Chiang Mai. Read more: 35 of the Best Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
24. Swim In A Waterfall
Thailand is full of waterfalls. You can hike to one in nearly every major tourist area. But we loved the waterfall in Koh Samui. Swimming in the pool below the falls and letting the water run over your head cools you off during a long hot day. Find your favorite waterfall in the country and spend the day suntanning on rocks and cooling off in the fresh water.
There was also great waterfalls in Doi Ithanon National Park in Northern Thailand just outside of Chiang Mai.
25. Visit Thailand’s National Parks
Besides Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand has several national parks to visit. Khao Yai national park is Thailand’s first national park and is part of Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular park for animal watching where you’ll see Elephants, Sun Bears, gibbons, civets, and many other animals of Thailand. Khao Yai National park is located in Central Thailand 120 km (75 miles. from Bangkok.
26. Chiang Mai Temple Tour
Chiang Mai is the capital of Northern Thailand, you cannot miss going there on your Thailand trip. When you visit Chiang Mai, it is all about the. In fact, there are more than 300 temples to discover. Monks walk the grounds and study Buddhism.
A beautiful temple in Chiang Mai is Wat Suan Dok where you can watch the monks chant daily. Wat Chedi Luang – pictured above, is our favourite temple in Chiang Mai at night.
27. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Just a few km outside Chiang Mai is the wonderful Doi Suthep Temple. Hire a taxi, tuk tuk or Grab Taxi to take you to the temple early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Doi Suthep was our favorite temple in Thailand. Walk the 309 steps to the complex where we were treated to an extraordinary panoramic view of Chiang Mai.
28. Shop At The Chiang Mai Night Market
Chiang Mai is famous for its Night Bazaar. When the sun goes down, the markets open up. Chang Klan Road is where the Night Bazaar is open every evening. But on Sundays all the streets by Thapae Gate close to traffic and it become and endless line of street stalls. You haven’t experienced shopping in Asia until you have explored the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. It’s a great spot to grab some street food and sample the best of Thai cooking.
29. Ayuthaya
Located just one hour from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is an incredible temple complex that is a popular day trip. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 1300s, Ayuthaya is the former ancient capital of Siam. Ayutthaya Archeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historic temples. Book a day trip to Ayutthaya.
30. Hang Out In Pai
Pai is a laidback and popular hotspot for backpackers, hippies, and artists. It’s a great place to chill out, soak in the hot springs and explore the waterfalls. Read about all the The Best Things to do in Pai by The Experts
31. Railway Market
Take a 70km trip from Bangkok to the Maeklong Market. The railway runs through the center of this world-famous market with the wheels passing just inches from the beautifully laid out fruit and vegetables which are displayed along the edges of the track.
32. Visit Khao San Road
There is no doubt that when you first land in Bangkok, you will make your way to Khao San Road. It is the original backpackers ghetto and it’s not to be missed.
This famous street is lined with bars, eateries, and shops. You’ll see people walking the streets 24 hours a day. It’s a great place to eat some Pad Thai, eat street food, or chill out while sipping a Singha Beer and watching the crowds go by. And there are many affordable hotels in the area. Where to Stay in Bangkok – A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods
33. Mountain Bike, Chiang Rai
We took a mountain bike tour from the city streets of Chiang Rai out to the surrounding countryside. Biking up impressive hills and through rice paddy fields was a challenging yet fun ride and really took us off the beaten track of Thailand.
34. Eat Street Food
Some of our best dining experiences in Thailand were outside on the street. Just make sure to eat cooked food only. Street food in Thailand is generally safe. It is fresh, well cooked and there’s a high turnover of food. Look for street vendors with long lines and places where the locals eat.
It’s fitting that we end off our list of things to do in Thailand with food. Thai food is our favorite food on earth and a trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without immersing in the food culture.
Q1: What are some popular tourist attractions in Thailand?
A1: Thailand boasts popular attractions like the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the ancient city of Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai's Doi Suthep Temple, and the stunning beaches of Phuket.
Q2: What is the best time to visit Thailand?
A2: The ideal time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are enjoyable.
Q3: Are there any cultural etiquettes visitors should be aware of in Thailand?
A3: Yes, it's important to show respect by dressing modestly when visiting temples, removing shoes before entering someone's home, and refraining from touching someone's head, which is considered the most sacred part of the body.
Q4: How can I travel within Thailand efficiently?
A4: Thailand has an extensive transportation network. You can use domestic flights for long distances, trains for scenic journeys, and tuk-tuks or taxis for shorter trips within cities.
Q5: What are some must-try dishes in Thai cuisine?
A5: Indulge in iconic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Som Tum (green papaya salad), and Massaman Curry for a flavorful culinary experience.
Conclusion: Thailand is a multifaceted destination that captivates visitors with its cultural richness, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether you're exploring ancient temples, relaxing on pristine beaches, or engaging in thrilling adventures, the diverse array of tourist things to do in Thailand ensures an unforgettable journey. Embark on this odyssey and discover why Thailand is a perennial favorite among travelers seeking a blend of tradition and modernity.
You Must Like This Post:
- Top 30 The Most Beautiful Places in Mexico You Can't Miss
- 30 Top-Rated Things to Do in Brisbane Australia From Beaches
- 30 Top Best Cities to Visit in Europe & Vacation in Europe
- 30 Top Unveiling The Best Places to Go For New Year Eve Around